Page:Once a Week Dec 1860 to June 61.pdf/219

 208 Yes, I heard the song of warning All too late! I saw them stand On the bridge;—her eyes down drooping, While he clasp’d her willing hand.

Marcus saw, and came to meet me; And Paulina softly said, Brother! I must have your blessing; Put your hand upon my head. Bless and love me, O my brother, Still my guide and guardian be!” Marcus said, “My Christian brother, Let your love extend to me!”

Then, with all my heart, I bless’d them, And submitted to my fate, Praying God to give me courage To be silent, brave, and great. Soon my soul grew calm and stronger; And the marriage-rites were seal’d; And I saw how Lino’s daughter Loved the youth who bore his shield!

Marcus, true and gallant-hearted, Was a Christian! He had heard From the lips of sweet Paulina Echoes of the Gospel Word! Time pass’d on, and “Persecution Of the Christians!” was the cry: Day by day the martyr’d heroes Left the world without a sigh.

Then it was that I was Bishop; And though Cæsar’s arm was strong, Yet I shelter’d many a victim Of his tyranny and wrong. And I suffer’d death for helping Marcus and his wife to fly; But to save my sweet Paulina I was well content to die!

And I died—with joy and gladness, Mocking all the earthly pain That a Cæsar’s wrath inflicted, Singing, “I shall rise again.” Then my spirit wander’d freely, Mounting up from sphere to sphere, Traversing the well-known places To my earthly life so dear!

Often, in the early Spring-time, Timid lovers I inspire, Till they tell the oft-told story, Bravely, and with words of fire. Still the birds among the branches Build their nests, and seem to say, Seek your sweet one, lest you lose her Ere the Spring-time pass away!”